The Centre for Multiphase Processes was established by the Australian Research Council, as a major centre for research and research training in the science and technology of fine particles and bubbles.

About us

The Centre for
Multiphase Processes conducts research in the science and technology of fine particles and bubbles. Multiphase processes, which involve more than one phase of matter, form the basis for all Australian process industries including food, energy, agricultural, production and processing.

Whilst diverse in the nature of materials they process and their end
products, the processing of large volumes of water containing fine
particles in suspension, often in the presence of air bubbles or
slurries, pastes and emulsions, is the essential basis of production for
these industries. An example is the manufacture of food products such
as ice cream - a mixture of air bubbles trapped in water containing tiny
fat globules and ice crystals. The processing of such liquids or pastes
can present unusual problems, especially when taking place on a large
scale.

The Centre is located at the University of Newcastle. The researchers
are involved in a multi-disciplinary field of strategic importance to
the Australian economy, and combined, they form a storehouse of
knowledge and expertise in multiphase processing that is available to
industry and the community at large.

Members of the Centre for Multiphase Processes are heavily involved in
collaboration with industry, using their multi-disciplinary expertise to
tackle research programs of national and international importance and
helping to solve industrial problems with the use of the latest
instrumentation and techniques.

Postgraduate education and training for PhD and postdoctoral workers is a
strong focus of the Centre. Exchange programs have been instituted to
allow Centre research students to spend periods of study at overseas
research centres, and for overseas research students to spend time at
the Centre. An annual Student Research Conference and Workshop also
enables academics and academic visitors to present to research students
from around the country an up-to-date survey of recent work and trends
for the future in their area of specialisation.